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[Mesenteric panniculitis]
H F Kienzle1, R Karim, A Recepoglu
1Kliniken der Stadt Köln, Chirurgische Klinik Krankenhaus Holweide.
Leber, Magen, Darm
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Mesenteric panniculitis is a rare condition that can mimic other diseases, presenting diagnostic challenges. This report details three distinct cases, highlighting varied clinical courses and diagnostic difficulties in identifying this abdominal mass.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Mesenteric panniculitis is an idiopathic inflammatory condition affecting the mesentery.
- It can present as an abdominal mass, mimicking malignancy or other inflammatory processes.
Observation:
- Case 1: Presented with symptoms of acute diverticulitis, leading to laparotomy and resection of a space-occupying mass, later diagnosed as mesenteric panniculitis.
- Case 2: A female patient with a history of colon carcinoma developed an intra-abdominal mass, initially suspected as malignancy relapse. Diagnostic workup, including laparoscopy, was inconclusive. The patient ultimately died from hemorrhage and coagulopathy, with autopsy revealing mesenteric panniculitis.
- Case 3: (Not detailed in the provided abstract, but implied by the introduction of 'three cases')
Findings:
- Mesenteric panniculitis can present with diverse clinical manifestations and disease trajectories.
- Diagnostic challenges are significant, often requiring surgical intervention and histological confirmation.
- The condition can be mistaken for other intra-abdominal pathologies, including malignancy.
Implications:
- Increased awareness of mesenteric panniculitis is crucial for accurate and timely diagnosis.
- Differential diagnosis in cases of unexplained abdominal masses should include mesenteric panniculitis.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management strategies for mesenteric panniculitis is warranted.